Far-Forward Austere Sterilizer (FAST)

Sterilization of medical and surgical tools is a critical step in minimizing the risk of infection to combat casualties during far-forward medical interventions. However, there are significant challenges to providing sterile equipment in austere environments where power is limited and ability to transport equipment and deliver supplies is constrained. The complexity of modern surgical tools, such as surgical scopes, adds to the challenge because they are heat sensitive and cannot be sterilized by conventional steam autoclaves. Unfortunately, alternative endoscope sterilization methods are impractical for forward deployment, therefore new sterilization methods are needed to process medical and surgical instruments in the field. To address this need we will demonstrate feasibility of a new sterilization method, addressing the challenge of ensuring endoscopes are pathogen free between patient procedures. The proposed sterilization method operates at low temperature so is compatible with delicate equipment, is universally effective against all types of microorganisms, does not use chemicals and sterilization cycle times are short. In addition, after sterilization the scopes are immediate available for use since no aeration or drying is required. The Phase I study focuses on demonstrating the new method can achieve sterility assurance levels with a high margin for safety and will verify compatibility with endoscope materials and electronics. The outcome of the study will be an engineering design of an innovative prototype sterilizer cabinet, accommodating published performance metrics and design specifications.